Bison Paddock Update & Related Bullshit

I just had five days of peace at home.  All I did was rest.  I didn't check any goals off my to-do list.  Each day I had a fleeting thought about whether to write this post.  Before I venture back to the outdoor world, I'm gonna give it a go.

Last Tuesday morning as I drove by the Bison, I stopped and took photos of the main meadow.  This marked the fourth or fifth time I've done this since summer started.  

Last September, two weeks shy of exactly a year ago, I wrote yet another post about the Bison, titled, "Bison Meadow Saga - Fall Update & My New Idea".  It basically gave an updated overview of my most recent efforts to try and get the RecPark to finally fix the main meadow Sprinkler, so the Bison could have appropriate vegetation to graze on.  It also included an idea for removing the patches of toxic weed that has been growing there. The following month, in another post I mentioned that I had shared that idea with the appropriate person on the Zoo Staff, as I figured the RecPark isn't going to do it, maybe the Zoo could make it a Renew the Zoo project.  I also noted I would be pausing my efforts, as I had done all I could do.  I noted that I would still monitor the situation and update in June, after the rainy season that leaves the meadow green, and the start of summer that dries out the meadow and leaves it brown and void of any edible vegetation.

For those who don't know, since I used the word toxic, I want to note that the Bison do not bother with those weeds, so there is no danger to them.  Additionally since edible vegetation is scarce, Zoo Keepers put out additional food to supplement what they don't get from optimum natural grazing behavior.

It's unfortunate that no one thought removing these weeds was beneficial, as now, with the high winds last winter seed must have blown fierce as those weeds have tripled and now cover a majority of the meadow.  Any green that is seen, is those weeds.  It's an illusion.  Not edible vegetation for the Bison. Not green landscape.  That is the brown you see.  Anything edible is dried out from no water.

Taken last Tuesday

This is a good place to note that the purpose of this post, at this time is pure documentation.  I had planned to just update Supervisor Connie Chan, as I asked for her assistance in my efforts last year.  Considering the state of increasing dry in the last five months, I thought she should know, contrary to what the RecPark told us over a year ago, apparently they never fixed the Sprinklers.  I did not plan to blog about Bison any further.  

I did start that update post in June, but after asking the Zoo Staffer what happened with my idea, and being told higher ups deemed the toxic weed removal not something they wanted to pursue, I really just thought, fuck it all. With the exception of a mention in my August 16 post titled, "Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up", about this and RecPark's Sprinkler fail, among other things Bison and Zoo related, I was done.  

Then bullshit happened.

After stopping by the Bison last Tuesday, I went to the Zoo.  I heard a rumor that someone made a call about the Bison, and the Zoo was pinning it on me.  I ran into someone, and straightened that out right quick, but this does need some unpacking.  

First, I don't do anything Anonymously.  For eighteen years of Zoo concerns, my name has been on everything I do.  Second, the call was allegedly asking Why the Bison were in the back enclosure.  This is not to make what I post self-important, but someone there should be following along, and if they had been they should know, my concerns have pretty much exclusively been the Sprinkler issue, and in the last year that toxic weed removal.  I asked a Keeper about the Ladies being in the back after seeing them there several weeks in a row, as I was curious if work was going to be done on the Sprinklers or weeds, which requires access to main meadow.  Other than that I trust what the Keepers do.  Third, there is a handful+ of people on Staff who know how to get a hold of me, someone should have asked if it was me, before labeling it with my name.  

This only other thing about this that I will note is, I find it odd that an inquiry regarding something that is seemingly nothing more than a curiosity, needed to have blame attached to it.  Considering it obviously had to have been anonymous, the Zoo or RecPark could have posted the answer to the question to social media, but instead it was put on me, and addressing a member of the public's concern, whether mine or as it was, someone else's, it was ignored.

Circling back to the RecPark, who's obligation it is to maintain the Bison Paddock as a whole, in previous posts I have noted in addition to their failure regarding the Sprinkler and toxic weeds, that the signage around the enclosure fencing needs replacing.  I'm going to repeat this as in my opinion, the multi-placement of these signs that have previously read, DOGS MUST BE HELD ON LEASH IN THIS AREA OF THE PARK, is important.  There are hardly any of these signs left and all but one that I saw, look like this...

Note that the RecPark is well aware of these concerns, as I send blog posts the Commissioners.

These signs are not for nothing.  Dog owners ignore leash laws, and one got into the back enclosure not long after the arrival of the last group of babie Bison, and one lost it's life.  That alone should be a reason that these signs are up, clearly readable, and placed continuously along the whole perimeter.  That said, I believe the Dog got in through an existing access point.  The day after that tragedy I walked the entire perimeter and was able to stick my foot under the fence in thirty-six places.  These holes either started by Dogs off leash or Coyotes, should have been securely filled by RecPark who is supposed to check daily that the entire fence line is secure.  Some of these holes just had pine cones stuck in them.  Big Fail. 

For that post I was going to do this summer, I made this comparison to what the sign in the front of the main meadow looks like.  The RecPark cares so little, they let the attraction's main signage continue to look like shit with the same graffiti for near a year.  There is no regular attention to it.  It looked the same with some additional graffiti last week.

Additionally, the Bison attract many visitors.  When they are in the back enclosure, they are hard to see.  A park neighbor who I know, also loves the Bison and visits them on her daily walk. She had an idea and contacted RecPark and suggested they put a sign directing visitors around to the west side for viewing.  That was over a year ago.  We both continue to direct people ourselves when we are there.  No reason people shouldn't be able to get the closest look possible of Our Beautiful Ladies.

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> Related Posts:  

September 21, 2025
Bison Meadow Saga - Fall Update & My New Idea

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2025/09/bison-meadow-saga-fall-update-my-new.html

August 16, 2026
Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/long-winded-management-and-city.html

> Content History:  Use Search Box in upper left corner and search "Bison".  There are dozens of posts.

> Comments:  Note that Anonymous Comments are accepted.  I moderate all comments before publishing.  If you are using this form for a non-publish correspondence, please note "Personal" on it.  Thank you for your participation and/or feedback.

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Blogger's Statement

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For Full Statement see this post:

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-zoo-status.html

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I used to use (search) labels, but too often forget.  I started noting "Hot Topic" in title, but fell lax on that.  Now I'm just going to add labels, keywords, etc., here at the bottom with hashtags.  Does it help in searches, who knows.

#SanFrancisco , #SanFranciscoZoo , #Zoos #SanFranciscoZoologicalSociety  , #SanFranciscoZooCEODirectorCassandraCostello , #FormerSanFranciscoZooDirectorTanyaPeterson , #SanFranciscoRecreationAndParksDept , #FormerSanFranciscoMayorLondonBreed , #SanFranciscoMayorDanielLurie , #AssociationOfZoosAndAquariums , #AZA , #SpeciesSurvivalPlan , #SSP , #Animals , #Wildlife , #Nature , #AnimalWelfare , #AnimalCruelty , #AndeanBear , #KomodoDragon , #Chimpanzees ,  #PatasMonkey , #Fossa , #Orangutans , #Barriers , #PerimeterFence , #Pandas , #Bison ,  #Gorillas ,  #Lemurs , #Lions

 

Respect The Animals Signage Taken Down! - Who Thought This Was A Good Idea?

Updated: Fifteen years doing this blog, and this is a first.  As I was proofreading this in draft last night, I was dozing off.  I hit publish and not long after I was out.  When I woke at 4a, I immediately felt like there was something I should have done before posting.  Even though there were a couple dozen views I reverted this post to draft.  The added content will be highlighted at the end.  Apologies to anyone who is now reading this twice.  But I feel better about it.

Well, here I am again.  And the only reason, is because the action of removing these signs, puts Our Animals in danger.   These signs could save lives, so I have no choice but to document this.

I would have never thought signage like this would be removed, as we in fact, need even more.   

This was the only photo I had already on the blog of the sign I'm referencing. Since taken at an angle to show how it evolved to include multi-lingual message, below is the wording, as it might be hard to read.

Respect the Animals 

The magnificent animals in the Zoo

are wild and possess all their natural instincts.

You are a guest in their home. 

PLEASE don't tap on the glass, cross barriers,

throw anything into exhibits, make excessive noise,

tease or call out to them.

Please call (415) 753-7069 or

notify an employee immediately

to report misbehavior.

Is this messaging somehow considered no longer needed?

Whoever decided to do this should not be working in an Animal Care facility.   

Removing important messaging like what is on these signs, is not only not smart, it's Reckless.

The sign below was the first incarnation.  Installed after the Tiger event in 2007.  This messaging has been in place almost twenty years.   

While many people do not read signs, they are still important.  Especially at Our Zoo, where I see misbehavior every visit.  I spent over a decade documenting the breachable barriers at Bears and Black Rhino, that have still never been made to discourage people from hanging their kids over the barriers.  This is the biggest offense, because it could end with a bullet to the head of one of Our Animals.  

I was told they were taken down by management. So I have to ask, WHY?  If anyone knows why, please let me know.  Did this come from the top? Regardless, the person at the top, should not have allowed this to happen, and if it was their idea, they clearly Do Not get the importance of keeping Our Animals safe.

This is very upsetting.

Update:  So, the thing that was bothering me was that I only checked half the property.  Even though I did ask somebody I trust about it, I like to double confirm by seeing things with my own eyes.  And while I saw half the property, the chance that there could have been a stray one left somewhere was bugging me.  I took another walk today and checked a few of the enclosures that I remembered had those signs, and there were none.   At one of those places there was a Keeper and I asked, "There was a sign here right?".  It was confirmed and without me saying anything further, they continued and said, "It was taken down because the phone number needed to be changed".   

Now, there's a possible reason, whereas before the impression was they were not being replaced. That said, it doesn't even matter.  These signs are important.  In my opinion, they are so important to keeping Our Animals safe, that they should not have been removed for even one hour of time that the Zoo is open.  And, by some accounts, allegedly the signs have been gone for a couple of months.  

If they are being redone to change the phone number, they should not have been taken down until the new one was put up. They could have done one of several simple things to temporarily add the new phone number on there.   Additionally if that is the only thing that needed to be changed any sign company could have made a little adhesive plate in the same coloring that would have fit right over the phone number.  They didn't need to spend money to replace the whole thing and have it out of commission.

Leaving Our Animals safety at risk, is Unacceptable.

World Orangutan Day Secret Party - Note To Zoo... Celebrations Are Fun For All!

Last Sunday, I posted a "pause" in my documentation on this blog, in an effort to free my mind, time, and energy.  It has started working to some degree, but I know it's going to take some time.  

Monday, I visited the Zoo with a friend who is a longtime Member.  As we walked around enjoying the Animals, we talked about a lot of the fails and challenges.  We both have cared about Our Zoo for a very long time.  Since I visit more often, and have immersed myself in everything Zoo for eighteen years, I of course would point out issues, share ideas, and answer her questions.  A couple things, went straight to the part of my mind that made notes for blogging.  It's hard to shake.  I shared that with her and noted that prior to last weekends sudden move to pause, I had thought the path I should try would be to resurrect an older blog where I just posted a short entry with a photo in a running commentary.  It was intended to share the good stuff.  I liked that style.  And last weekend I forgot about that option, and reconsidered it.

My visit Wednesday, had me chomping at the bit to write a post.  It's still nagging at me, even though I've tried to resist and continue to push ahead of the withdrawal symptoms, especially since what irked me was a repeat of what's already been said.  Last night I thought a good compromise would be a monthly wrap-up.  This morning, while I think that's a doable goal, that might have to start next month.  

Apologies for my small steps to freedom, and this rehash of a tired subject.  Holding it in, takes up more energy than putting it out there.

World Orangutan Day was Wednesday.  Admittedly, I forgot.  I used to know all the Awareness Days, and Birthdays, but in the last couple years of overwhelm, aside from a few, I don't remember the dates much.  I have made a decent list, and had them noted on my calendar to-do listing, but rearranged that as it was too long, and so I don't see the notations, and miss possible celebrations for Awareness Days and Birthdays often. Anyway, I woke-up that morning to a message a friend sent me of Our Orangutan Ollie's Mama Dasa and Brother Otis from his home Zoo in Erie.  Lucky I saw that message at 830a and was reminded it was Orangutan Day.  I had already thought to go out and see Boomer (Emu), so I jumped out of bed, jammed, and got there just in time for opening.

Again, in my opinion it's a fail that the Zoo didn't post anything in advance, had no awareness signage at entrance, or conservation pop-up table at enclosure.

As I walked thru the gate house, two sandwich boards were in view.  I was reminded of an idea I posted before about there being a sandwich board letting the public know about Awareness Days.  "It's World Orangutan Day!  Make sure to visit Our Orangutans!".  Additionally, noting if there's a celebration or Birthday party scheduled.

Not doing any of these things just seems like more missed opportunities to endear the public to Our Animals, build Community, and in this case, Educate about plight of wild Orangutans. It was a wonderful party for Ollie and Amoi, and happy I was able to enjoy and celebrate with them, but geez when will Our Zoo get it together, and understand the value of giving the public a heads-up for these celebrations?  I know I'm not the only one who enjoys seeing the Zoo Friends having fun with enrichment toys and items these parties provide.  

As I stood there watching Ollie and Amoi, I heard people behind me who were walking up to the enclosure, "It's World Orangutan Day".   I even overheard a Docent nearby say to a Staffer they didn't know.  

Noting this as a fail to a staffer, they suggested that maybe it would take time to get a system for these things going, after being held back from celebrations for so long under the previous management.  I can understand that in some ways, and certainly respect challenges in coordination, but I also look at how easy some of these things are to do, and have seen them done, and want the consistency of that for the betterment of Our Zoo.  

These celebration events are coordinated between Keepers and PR, why does the disconnect stop there?  There has been advance notice for Gorilla's Bawang and Cecil Birthdays, but none for Dara's.  It can't possibly take much to make a social media post.  While the Conservation gal may be off on certain days, so a pop-up might not always be an option, even though there are others that work in Conservation.  Why isn't there a Docent out, or a Keeper Talk?  As for signage, it doesn't take much to write out a sign to post at entry.  A blackboard with colorful chalk writing is all there needs to be, and anyone on staff can put that out.  

How is doing these little things, not a consistent thing, and not recognized as a valuable asset and tool to endearing and educating our Zoo going public?

Pausing My Documentation and Interest Overwhelm In Our Zoo's Future

A literal spur of the moment thought, minutes prior to the free flow writing of this post, prompted not only the feeling that is the catalyst for this post, but allowed me to let go of dozens and dozens, of notepad documents related to the Zoo.  A couple years of notes containing draft posts, thoughts, ideas, research information, gone and now freeing my mind and future time.

The feeling I referred to, is a combination of many things, but all end-up under the umbrella of, Does any of it really matter anymore?

In the greater picture, there was the overall initial optimism that once the Zoo was rid of the former CEO/Director, and with all the past mismanagement identified, real change could be on the horizon.  That has proved not to have happened.

The City has not taken the role I would have hoped.  That role being the entity that seeks change in the management structure.  A restructuring and redefining is certainly in order, yet a year later, nothing has changed.  The Zoo Board, RecPark, and Joint Zoo are all continuing as they had in the past.  I don't follow politics, but I remember the Mayor making out of the norm changes while building his administration, and I would have hoped he would have done the same for Our City Owned Zoo.  

There was obviously a change in CEO/Director, but that is where it ended.  While I think there are many thumbs-up in this new leadership, there are also thumbs-down, as I've clearly documented.  That is critical criticism, and not meant to knock the new leadership.  

The Recreation and Park Department may have a new Manager, but will that change anything in the Park Commission's interpretation of it's role in regard to Our Zoo?

Likewise, the Zoological Society named a new Board Chairperson.  Has that done anything to change how the Board views their role as the highest managing entity?  

The answer to both those questions is seemingly No.  

There are too many factors that have Our Zoo in limbo, and that's not only frustrating, but seemingly damaging to the long-term success of Our Zoo thriving, and that doesn't sit well with me.  There is the year long lack of large scale fundraising, when Our Zoo is essentially broke.  That lack of fundraising for specific projects that are of current, or immediate future Needs are worrisome.  

The current Lion eviction is THE prime example.  In 2024, when architect design for Pandas taking over the Lion House were submitted to the City Planning Department, so were plans for a new Lion enclosure.  The thing is, there was no design, only location, and only Pandas was initially approved.  For me, that confirmed what I thought, there was never really going to be a new home built for Our Lions.  That was over two years ago.  Once Peterson was gone, fundraising for Lions should happened, and it still hasn't.   Why, is the big question.  The easiest assumption is, Donors are being courted for Pandas.  Our Lions Needs are being stepped over in the chase for Panda Want.  And as I understand the process, the Panda confirmation can't come until an enclosure is built, and approved by China.  It also seems the consensus regarding future plans, whether a long-term Master Plan, which per the Loan stipulation is July 2027, or any shorter term healing, such as, What's the plan for when Triple Grotto is empty, is something we the public aren't going to get clarification on. The Zoo's silence on seemingly important things on the checklist, are a silence that I have an issue with.  By that 2027 deadline, we will be two years into new leadership, possibly with No Lions, No Chimps, and No clarification on Pandas. To me, that just seems like a misuse of time that could have generated funds to save Our Lions.

As someone who has been a visitor my whole life (63 years as of last week), and someone who has monitored all I could for the last eighteen years, I admit I have certain expectations, and will not be happy with all decisions made.  There are certain things, like the Lion situation that I find completely unacceptable.  

The smaller picture is more personal.  In the past, I felt my documentation was doing two things, documenting for future proof of wrong doings, and as an avenue to point out things that needed attention.  Both were apparently valid.  I was told years ago that management level staff, including former CEO/Director Tanya Peterson, were regularly reading my blog.  Evidence of things I mentioned being fixed/done, seemed to support that.  As well, a good amount of my documentation, came-up in the 2024-2025 media light shined on mismanagement.

Contrary to the past, I don't think current leadership reads much of what I post, with the possible exception of when I've emailed specific concerns or ideas, which hasn't been lately.  Considering they are aware of this blog, and the type of content I post about, I would hope it would be of interest, as in my opinion, all clearly comes from the point of view of someone who cares about the betterment of Our Zoo.  

This is not meant to be pompous or self-indulgent, but as simple facts.  I am not some rando who doesn't know anything about the Zoo.  I very clearly do.  I also know I have valid concerns and ideas.  Concerns that have been legitimately acted on, and ideas that have been implemented.

During the early years of my deeper interest in all things Zoo related, I became friends with Keepers and learned about Enrichment.  I approached the Big Cat Keeper and asked if I could make Enrichment Toys.  That led to being approved by Vet Staff and a ten-month weekly toy making adventure.  That only ended when Zoo politics interfered.  Among other things, along the way, I relayed important health issues I witnessed, and made betterment suggestions that were implemented.  One especially meaningful was the removal of planks in the fence at the Farm between the back corral (not on public view) and the sand corral, making a window between, so Animals in back alone, like Slider the Cow was too often left, aren't segregated from others, and left staring at a wood barrier all day.  I crusaded successfully to stop Peterson from kicking our three long-timer Chimpanzees out of their home of near fifty years.  Even the Fairy Garden, something that was recently referred to by the Zoo, was my idea.  So, I do feel I have had some impact of value.  I know, I made a difference in the lives of Cobby, Minnie and Maggie.  And, if saving Our Beloved Chimp Friends was all I accomplished, I consider that win worth the eighteen years that the overwhelm of caring about Our Zoo has caused me.

Unfortunately, I don't think the asset factor of my intentions are still applicable. That's actually fine, as I hate blogging, I need a break from the weight of feeling like it's important for me to document something, because no one else will.    I feel like so many of my words lately are left stagnant, and that's a waste of my energy.  I may post again, especially if what I'm currently investigating is relevant, but the light's been shined bright, it will either be seen, or it won't.  I hope for the future of Our Zoo, someone sees it and pays attention to it, but no one paid attention to that fence that was left fallen for six weeks, so good luck to Our Zoo, they need it.

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This post is one of a trio publishing today.  

They mark the end of my blogging as it has been.  

Please leave a comment or send a personal note on one of these last posts.  Would much appreciate the thoughts and feedback.

This is where I usually post Related links and my Blogger's Statement.  Related links (with the exception of the last three), are now up to the reader to search for.  This blog has 1000+ posts, covering most keywords for your interest.  Use the search box in the upper left corner.

Thank you to all who have taken time to read my words. Hopefully you will return for any one-offs I may post, which I'm sure there will be some.  I haven't stopped caring, just need a break in documenting.

Cheers,

Kim

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The other two of three...

*Lion Fundraising That Will Never Happen - An Idea And A Rant

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/lion-fundraising-that-will-never-happen.html

*Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/long-winded-management-and-city.html

Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up

I tried to use a word other than Bullshit, but there was not one that covered everything that has been present in what has brought Our Zoo to today's financial position, and in my opinion, lack of working toward a better future.

The past eighteen years has seen mass mismanagement on all levels by former Zoo CEO/Director Tanya Peterson's Leadership, gross negligence by the Zoological Society Board in their sought task to Manage Our Zoo,  gross negligence by the Recreation and Park Commissioners in their City tasked duty of Oversight of Our Zoo, and non-existent involvement by City Officials, including all Mayor's and Board Of Supervisors.   I include the BOS as over the last year, they are seemingly the only entity that has actually stepped-up to try and sort out some of the destruction caused by the lack of care and ignoring by every other entity.  Too bad they didn't act sooner.

And the boo-hoo by all, regarding former leadership using $12 mil in funds without approval... Well, this is what happens when there is no oversight or monitoring, just blind ignorance.  Unscrupulous goings on were documented and reported over many years.  No one cared to listen.  So, no shock to those of us who have cared and watched it happen.

Supervisors

For the sake of as brief as possible (but really no way possible) description of issue, I'm going to leave out the Supervisors, since as I said, they seem to be the only ones with any sense, balls, and knowledge.  In my opinion, they should take over all Oversight duties from the completely useless Rec and Park Commissioners.

Mayors

Working backward from my list, is now Mayor's.  I credit Daniel Lurie in being instrumental in ridding Our Zoo of Peterson.  That said, it took him way too long to get involved, and other than his selfish Want of Pandas, he seemingly really could care less about Our Zoo.   The later also applied to his predecessor, London Breed.  Where is she now with all her Panda love and fundraising enthusiasm?  No where, no care.  Prior to her, these fine folks <cough> were at the helm of Our City, Mark Farrell, Ed Lee, and Gavin Newsom.  Alleged friends of Peterson, who along with her friends on the Society Board, blindly supported her mismanagement, because they didn't care about Our Zoo.  

Rec and Park Commissioners

I have never experienced a group of "leaders", that combined could not be more inept.  Over the years watching the nonchalance from the Department's Representatives that sat on the equally inept and useless Joint Zoo Committee, was a real head-shaker.  Just utterly disappointing.   So many instances I can bring-up, all documented in this blog.  The culmination reading Commissioner Larry Mazzola's statement in the press expressing his astonishment at what was being reported about the mismanagement of Our Zoo under Tanya Peterson, and hearing him take offense to the backlash RecPark was receiving, because "they have no authority", over the Zoo, claiming they are "Advisory".  Advisory is useless.  The RecPark represents The City as the Owner of The Zoo.  They are present at Joint Zoo and are tasked with approving Animal Acquisitions and other Items.  They are an Oversight entity, except I guess when the going gets tough.  Many times Animal Care Staff brought up issues and were shot-down and demeaned by Commissioners and other Joint Zoo Members, including the Zoo's own Board.  If Mazzola or any other Commissioner not present for that, that's on the collective, as all should have been informed of these grievances, but no one cared.  Just like no one cares that the Bison Meadow continues to be dried out, yet another Summer, even though RecPark claimed the sprinkler was working a year ago.  It's evident in the lack of compassion for the Bison to have a healthy grazing habitat, that allows them to engage in their species natural behavior.  

Additionally, I'll note here that I passed the buck about my Bison Meadow concerns to an appropriate Zoo Staffer, who seemingly agreed on the issue presented.  In the follow-up on that, I was told they ran it up the flagpole and allegedly the flagpole didn't think it was necessary to pursue.  So, having a healthy landscape to graze on, is not necessary for grazing Animals?  This determination from inside the Zoo.

Continuing on, I have long said the RecPark Commissioners, and certainly former General Manager Phil Ginsburg, really have no care for Our Zoo.  I have long said repeatedly that the RecPark treats the Zoo as if it's not part of their department.  Among several things, it's evident in the simple exclusion of the Zoo in their email newsletter that lists Events. They have recently posted about the Bison, which is possibly the first time since the Parks 150th Anniversary in 2020, when the last group of Bison arrived.  More recently there has been no mention of the Zoo's Summer Events, Dinos Rule or Sunset Fridays.   Their support for Our Zoo is no where to be seen.

Lack of Care from this outside the walls entity, was a main contributor of Our Zoo's downfall.  The Lease agreement alone is relative to note.  It is grossly out of date, most importantly and certainly relevant to the Zoo's financial crisis, is the lack of increase in the Management Fee paid to the Zoo.  The  RecPark (The City) should have taken the initiative, considering the Zoo Board never did, to adjust the management fee to include a Cost of Living increase.  The $4 Million the Zoo received when the Lease was signed in 1993, with compounded yearly increase is estimated at $9.44 Mil by today's standard of purchasing power.  The back pay on that is est at $78-85Mil.  If Zoo leadership manages to keep it together til the Loan is paid off, the City should put forth a bond for minimum $80 Mil, to make-up for it, so the Zoo can move forward on the long list of upgrading.

If The City had paid closer attention to Our Zoo, and the group they allowed to manage it, coupled with Cost of Living increases, it would certainly not be in the position it is today.

While on the money factor, let's note, the blame for no Lease amendments over time, does solely lay on the Zoo Board.  No alleged attempts has allowed the City to get away with letting the Zoo fall into despair, and taking no responsibility for it. The Lease notes the Zoological Society is basically responsible for everything, including all repairs, upgrades, and new builds, and that is just the notation for Animal enclosures, not City owned buildings like the Mother's Building, which is a Historical Landmark, and the City has ignored it's mounting repairs for minimum sixteen years since I first heard about the crusade for renovation by an interested historian.  We must all ask, how, over the course of thirty-three years, How is that even doable, with the inflation over the last twenty-six since tech moved in? Expecting Board Members to foot that bill, I consider pulling a fast one.  But, again, the blame is on the Board for not revisiting this agreement.  Again we could all ask, Why didn't they?   In my opinion, I think the Board was happy not to have the City involved in what they were doing.  I have always said, they think they own the Zoo, and treat it like their private club, and we are all just allowed to visit.

Apologies for the last two paragraphs, they were not part of what I planned for this post, but is all relevant, and contain info from multiple draft posts, I discarded yesterday.  So, if I'm not moving forward with individual posts, inserting here seemed best for documentation.

Zoological Society Board

While Tanya Peterson was the Zoo's main evil, she was left to run wild destroying Our Zoo, by the Zoological Society Board. They supported her mass mismanagement, misappropriation of funds, lack of fundraising, committing Animal Welfare Offences, and terrorizing Staff.  The Board is made-up of many successful business men and women, how they think the hands-off approach was going to be an appropriate way to run Our Zoo is beyond me.  Additionally, how they thought over the course of thirty-three years managing the Zoo on a yearly compounded below cost of living management fee was going to keep Our Zoo updated in anyway, is either delusional or negligent.

Last August Our Zoo was finally rid of Tanya Peterson, and new Leadership has taken over the CEO position, yet as far as I can tell, nothing else has changed.  All the same uncaring, useless entities are status quo.  Where are the Board Members?  Why are they always background players?  At this time in Our Zoo's desperate history, they should be visible, and doing something to help the Zoo and it just isn't showing.  Why aren't they doing something to keep Our Lions?  They tout themselves the Fundraising entity, where are those efforts for Our Lions?  No where, that's where. 

*~*~*~*~*~*

This post is one of a trio publishing today.  

They mark the end of my blogging as it has been.  

Please leave a comment or send a personal note on one of these last posts.  Would much appreciate the thoughts and feedback.

This is where I usually post Related links and my Blogger's Statement.  Related links (with the exception of the last three), are now up to the reader to search for.  This blog has 1000+ posts, covering most keywords for your interest.  Use the search box in the upper left corner.

Thank you to all who have taken time to read my words. Hopefully you will return for any one-offs I may post, which I'm sure there will be some.  I haven't stopped caring, just need a break in documenting.

Cheers,

Kim

*~*~*~*~*~*

The other two of three...

*Lion Fundraising That Will Never Happen - An Idea And A Rant

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/lion-fundraising-that-will-never-happen.html

*Pausing My Documentation and Interest Overwhelm In Our Zoo's Future

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/pausing-my-documentation-and-interest.html

Lion Fundraising That Will Never Happen - An Idea And A Rant

In my last post I noted that I wasn't doing Zoo stuff this week, indicating a break from blogging.  I followed through on that, for the preservation of peace during my Birthday week.  

That said, the other day it hit me, I need a full-on break.  So, I batted out two posts, and am now back on this one, which was intended to follow the last, as it is related to my flow of consistent Lion/Fundraising posts.  All three will be published today, and will be the start of my break.

Many years ago I posted an idea for fundraising, based on Art installations that I had become an admirer of.  I used Our Zoo's Monarch statue as an example.  In my opinion, the Zoo really failed by not taking on my idea all those years ago to do Painted Bears as a fundraiser. I chose Bears because we already have a Monarch Statue that possibly could have been used as the form.  That said, we do have a Lion statue!

My interest started when I was in New Orleans in 2000.  I happened upon their Festival of Fins installation that included over 200 painted Red Fish statues, in locations around town. I endeavored to see them all, but an unrealistic goal.  When I got home, I looked online to find out more about them and see the ones I missed.  Learning they would eventually be auctioned off for a fundraising benefit, I immediately thought of The Marine Mammal Center.  I contacted them and suggested they do the same but with Sea Lions.  They replied and asked to meet with me to discuss this possibility, and my participation. I declined because at the time I only had the idea pitch, no further knowledge on how to make it happen. That wouldn't have happened today, but was the end of that, and unfortunately they never followed through. 

To my delight, in 2021 I was driving down Embarcadero and saw a gathering of painted Sea Lions outside the Aquarium of the Bay.  They had produced thirty statues in celebration of the thirty year anniversary of the arrival of Sea Lions to Pier 39. This happened in 2019, and somehow I didn't get the memo and I completely missed the event.  Thankfully, these have now been installed outside of this corral, and many can also be found along the Wharf.

This painted statue project has been done now in many incarnations.  After seeing the Fish in NOLA, NYC followed with the Cow Parade, Louisville did Pigs, Lexington did Horses, and our own City has now done the famous Hearts several years in a row, raising millions of dollars.

Of course this idea has never left my mind.  While former Zoo Director Tanya Peterson kept Our Orangutans in caged tubes, The thought of doing Orangutans for a Triple Grotto redo danced in my mind.  Over the last several months, my thoughts have been with Our Lions. So, of course this idea came to mind once again.  This is a great idea that could raise funds for a new Lion enclosure, so we can Keep Our Lions Home. 

Ironically, with my recent posts questioning Why there has been no Fundraising effort specific to Our Lions Needs, this new installation of Crows in Portland came my way last week. This project has some of the best statue artwork I've seen.  I especially like the bases used, as they can include information about the project, a QR code for  donations independent of the eventual sale of the specific statues, as well as purchasing smaller reproductions of statues and an other merchandise, that would be more affordable.

Including a link to project site, as I liked the detailed information it provided.

https://downtownportland.org/wildwood-follow-the-crows-portlands-new-free-art-trail/

In my post from March 30, I included a notation and graphic that was part of CEO Cassandra Costello's presentation at the RecPark Full Commission Meeting.  She stated she wanted to install statues at the corner of Sloat/Skyline at the Zoo's overflow parking lot.  

Why can't the funds being spent on at least one of those statues be for a Lion and used for a fundraising campaign of painted Lions, to build them a new enclosure on Zoo grounds, so they don't have to leave?

This is my original design.  Our Lions, at home by the beach. Surrounded by pink and orange Dahlias, the official flower of San Francisco.  I'm kinda obsessed with how this turned out. 

In closing, I just want to express further disappointment that knowing the eventual plight of Our Lions, current leadership and the Zoological Society Board, have done nothing to prevent Our Zoo from losing Our Lions.  Tanya Peterson may have created an illusion that Our Lions would be getting a new enclosure with the advent of Pandas taking over the Lion House, but she's been gone a year.  A new plan for keeping Our Lions here should have been priority starting a year ago.  If it had, they would have probably had enough money by now, but I bet they didn't and don't want to, because any large donations are probably going to Pandas. It's really disturbing that the Needs of the Animals that we already have, and that people care about, are being stepped over in the chase to get Pandas.

*~*~*~*~*~*

This post is one of a trio publishing today.  

They mark the end of my blogging as it has been.  

Please leave a comment or send a personal note on one of these last posts.  Would much appreciate the thoughts and feedback.

This is where I usually post Related links and my Blogger's Statement.  Related links (with the exception of the last three), are now up to the reader to search for.  This blog has 1000+ posts, covering most keywords for your interest.  Use the search box in the upper left corner.

Thank you to all who have taken time to read my words. Hopefully you will return for any one-offs I may post, which I'm sure there will be some.  I haven't stopped caring, just need a break in documenting.

Cheers,

Kim

*~*~*~*~*~*

The other two of three...

*Long Winded Management and City Officials Bullshit Wrap-Up

https://iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/long-winded-management-and-city.html

*Pausing My Documentation and Interest Overwhelm In Our Zoo's Future

iamnotananteater.blogspot.com/2026/08/pausing-my-documentation-and-interest.html

Two Fail Tuesday - For The Betterment Of Our Zoo, Neither Should Have Happened

I left the Zoo Tuesday wanting to document two Fails that night, but I didn't reach that goal, because shocker, I just don't want to write about every little thing.  I'm tired in general, and especially of Zoo stuff.  That said, it's now the end of the week and I'm getting to it now.  I didn't think I would, because I've had a extreme pain in my sinus/teeth almost non-stop last 48 hr.  I got a reprieve for a moment now and since I don't plan on doing Zoo stuff at all next week, I'm going to document this week now.  Will pick-up on drafts week after next.

I always seem to be positioned to witness things that need some kind of attention.  Not just at the Zoo, but in general.

The first Fail presented before I even got into the place.  I was next in line to buy a ticket, when I overheard the family ahead of me at the window.  They wanted to use their EBT to buy tickets (under the Museums For All program).  They said No, when asked if they were SF Residents.  Then they were told it was only for SF Residents!  When they were done, I went to the window. After I was asked about Residency, I asked if nonResidents could still buy EBT tickets for $5  (SF is $3).  They guy was looking at the screen, and then interacted with someone next to him, then answered Yes.  Now I was pissed.

I saw the family, before they got to the gate house.  I confirmed with them that what I had overheard was accurate.  They said yes.  I told them their tickets should have been $5.  I suggested they go back and get a refund, and purchase their EBT tickets.  As well to ask for a manger if there's a problem.  I continued in, and they went back to ticket window.

I looked at this as the Zoo ripping these people off, and that really upset me.  It literally had me muttering to myself all the way to Wolverines.  

I'll note that the ticket guy must be new, because I've never seen him before.  He was also probably being trained, as he had someone next to him.  Was this someone there when that family was buying tickets, I don't know.  BUT if he wasn't there, and the new guy didn't know, one of two things should have happened.  He should have asked someone else, or once I brought it up, he should have told the someone next to him, left the window and looked for them to make this right.  Did the later happen?  Not in the time frame I was talking to the family.  

In my opinion, this is a real problem.  This family came from out of town.  Are obviously on a low income budget, expecting to pay $20 for the four of them and instead paid $80+.  That's not right, and probably left a tainted opinion of Our Zoo.  

When my EBT discounted Membership expired last year, I chose not to renew yet and just buy EBT day ticket through summer.  If I hadn't, and walked straight through with Membership, this fail would have gone unchecked.  How many other families have either paid more than they planned because they were already there, or worse, been forced to walk away, because they couldn't afford to pay more?

Additionally, the new pricing signage is crap.  There is no fixed sign for prices.  There is a digital screen that rotates the prices in several different languages.  Not only does it take some time waiting to get to your applicable screen, it doesn't even show the EBT prices.  I get that it saves signage money when prices change, and it's being inclusive to a varied lingual community, but if there was a fixed sign that included the EBT prices, what happened, wouldn't have. Maybe they just need a posted Museums For All sign with the EBT prices.  There is space on right side of building, where old price sign was, and that now has two other signs.  Just thought not this so sorry no photo.

My last stop was Gorillas.  When I approached the first viewing area, I noticed lots of color and thought, party remnants. Quickly turned to training window and saw the sign, Happy Birthday Dara!  I was bummed to have missed it, and pissed once again that the Zoo gave no notice to the public.  I've written about this type of thing before, so I must sound like a broken record, but in my opinion, not giving the public a chance to be included is a valid fail in the path to bettering Our Zoo.

I researched Dara when she got here, and made a note about her Birthday, but didn't put it on my calendar.  So, my bad, my old overwhelmed mind didn't remember.  But, visitors shouldn't have to keep close track, they should be alerted.  I may sound like I'm boo-hooing for myself, but I'm not.  I know for a fact people will make a point to come out for events like this.  I don't understand how management doesn't get the connection that these types of celebrations/events, when the Animals are given fun enrichment is a huge factor in endearing people to Our Animals, and Our Zoo.  It's helping to build a caring community, and that benefits the Zoo. 

The Zoo may say they didn't know ahead of time, and that's just not valid.  There is prep for enrichment toys, and birthday treats.  The could easily announce a couple days ahead of time a Birthday, and say check back for time.  They could have a sandwich board at gate daily noting what's happening, including Birthdays and estimated party time.  They could have push alerts on their app for birthdays or other special enrichment fun.  

Anyway I just don't understand it.  People enjoy the celebrations.  I've been saying this for eighteen years, but you would think that especially at this point in time when the Zoo needs all the attendance, all the community support, that this would be a time to embrace that and make the most of it for the betterment of Our Zoo, and the joy it brings to those lucky enough to be included.